Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is poised to redefine the Star Trek experience in its upcoming third season, especially with the potential casting of Rhys Darby as Trelane. The recently released trailer teases a blend of genres that promises to keep Captain Christopher Pike (Anson Mount) and his crew aboard the USS Enterprise engaged in thrilling adventures. Despite having only two seasons in the can, the series has already introduced a roster of intriguing characters.
As season three approaches, viewers can expect the introduction of new faces alongside expanded roles for existing ones. For instance, Lt. Montgomery Scott, portrayed by Martin Quinn, has been promoted to a series regular following his debut in the season 2 finale. Additionally, the talented Cillian O’Sullivan joins the cast as Dr. Roger Korby, who is set to pursue Nurse Christine Chapel (Jess Bush). Among the most intriguing additions is the yet-unknown character played by Rhys Darby, which could significantly alter the storytelling landscape.
The Impact of Rhys Darby as Trelane on Modern Star Trek
Trelane’s Return: A Nod to The Original Series
Initial speculation surrounding Rhys Darby’s role suggested he might embody Dr. Leonard McCoy or another physician aboard the Enterprise. However, the trailer indicates a different direction, with Darby evoking the flamboyant essence of Trelane from Star Trek: The Original Series. This iconic character first appeared in the first season, in “The Squire of Gothos,”where he held Captain James T. Kirk (William Shatner) and his crew captive.
The universe of Star Trek often features god-like beings, especially in TOS, but the modern iterations on Paramount+ have largely steered clear of this trope. While characters like Q from The Next Generation have been integrated into recent storylines, the absence of beings akin to Trelane has been notable. Introducing Darby in such a role could lead to unique, outlandish plot developments in season 3 of Strange New Worlds, potentially transforming the dynamic of the series.
Potential Encounters: Trelane and Captain Pike’s Enterprise
Navigating Canon: Trelane’s Possible Appearances
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds has generally been committed to honoring the established Star Trek canon, avoiding conflicts with events from The Original Series. Since Captain Kirk’s crew encountered Trelane in “The Squire of Gothos,”direct interactions with him would present a continuity challenge. Nevertheless, there are numerous ways Trelane could engage with other characters, including Captain Pike, Number One (Rebecca Romijn), Lt. La’an Noonien Singh (Christina Chong), and Dr. Joseph M’Benga (Babs Olusanmokun).
Interestingly, the trailer showcases Darby’s character snapping his fingers reminiscent of Q’s signature move. Given Trelane’s formidable abilities, he could opt to erase the memories of his presence or even reset events altogether, ensuring that he remains an enigma within the timeline.
It’s also possible that Darby might portray an alternate character or a different member of Trelane’s species, potentially affiliated with the Q Continuum, thus avoiding canon discrepancies. Regardless of the character’s identity, fans can anticipate Darby bringing an exciting dynamic to Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.